INDUSTRY NEWS

In this economy, retailers are always looking for ways to make their dollar stretch further. The good news is that The WSA Show is offering even more value to attendees this summer, giving them a chance to shop a world of footwear and accessories, get smart tips on how to build their businesses and meet and mingle with the movers and shakers of the industry. “The WSA Show has a breadth of product no one even comes close to,” says WSA director of sales Pamela Lumpkin-Baffo. “By any measure, this show is a steal.” Here’s a look at all the reasons why The WSA Show is a bargain at any price.

1. THE BEST BRANDS Wondering what you’ll see at the show? Try the best and brightest new product from Brown Shoe, Nine West, Skechers, Clarks, Chinese Laundry, Dolce Vita, House of Brands, Kenneth Cole, Naot, Aetrex, Rocket Dog, Propet and Yellowbox, to name a few. “Every nook and cranny of North and Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center is going to be filled,” says Lumpkin-Baffo. “We’ve also sold out our showrooms, which will be where buyers can find Report, Dockers, Pikolinos, Blondo, Deer Stags, Lacoste and more.”

At The Collections at WSA in The Venetian Hotel & Casino, buyers will find a world of luxury at their fingertips, with brands like Bourne, Glory Chen, Olivia Rose Tal, Badgley Mischka Platinum, Francesco Biasia, Hayden Harnett, Farylrobin, See by Chloe and Taryn Rose showing off their wares.

Jeffrey Greenberg, owner of Lloyd’s Shoes in Carmel, Calif., is already looking forward to what he’ll see at the show. “I shop every venue at the show, from comfort to Collections,” he says. “I’ve been going to the show for 30 years, and I wouldn’t think of not going. I don’t know how you can stay in the retail environment and not attend the show, whether it’s a recession or not. The way you drive traffic to your store is to have fresh merchandise, and how do you get that if you don’t go?”

2. ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE In the North and Central halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, attendees will be able to find not only the main WSA show but also The Box at WSA, an exclusive showcase for fashion-forward brands making its fourth appearance at the show. “It’s hard to dazzle consumers in these tough economic times, but as a retailer you have to do exactly that,” says Lumpkin-Baffo. “That’s why we try so hard to keep The Box fresh.”

“When we showed at The Box at the last show, we felt perfectly in synch with the accounts and customers shopping,” says Scott Kaminsky, vice president of sales for Highline United. “There was innovative product with an attention to detail and a real understanding of fashion, trends and quality. We were very pleased with the accounts that we saw, and we’re definitely coming back for this show.”

At The Venetian, buyers will be able to find both The Collections at WSA and the returning C7, a chic space devoted to high-end athleisure product. Diesel, John Fluevog, Auri, Fly London, Donald J Pliner, Stuart Weitzman and Fly London are just a few of the brands that will be on display.

3. ROYAL TREATMENT All work and no play is no fun, and The WSA Show makes sure attendees have a luxurious experience while doing business. In addition to V.I.B. (Very Important Buyer) lounges at the show, attendees will be able to relax with manicures or polish touch-ups at the Opi Beauty Bar at The Box at WSA, where Mimosas in the Morning and drink service throughout the day will add some sparkle to the shopping experience. On the second night of the show, everyone is invited to attend the Glass Slipper Awards hosted by The Collections at WSA, giving attendees a chance to mingle with other industry players while honoring creative suite design.

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